- Asthma is a chronic
respiratory disease that affects 22 million people in the USA, 6 million
of whom are children.
- With asthma, the airways are
inflamed and hypersensitive to allergens and irritants.
- During an asthma attack,
airway muscles tighten, the tissue becomes inflamed, and mucous is
produced; this all results in narrow airways.
- Asthma attacks may be
treatable with quick-relief inhalers, depending on the severity of the
attack.
Who is at greatest risk of asthma?
- Children who are exposed to
cigarette smoke, viral infections, and certain allergens early in life.
- African Americans are more
likely to be hospitalized and to die from an asthma attack, versus
Caucasians.
- Those with a family history
of asthma or allergies.
- Children living in an environment
with many allergens and irritants.
What causes asthma attacks?
- Allergens
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Cockroaches
- Pollen
- Mold
Irritants
- Cigarette smoke, air
pollution
- Strong odors
- Aerosols
- Scented products
- Cold air
- Changes in weather
- Strong emotional responses
- Stress
Exercise
Vacuum cleaning
Viral infections
Medicine: aspirin and beta-blockers
Sulfites
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
What are the sign/symptoms of an asthma attack?
Many times, an asthma attack comes on suddenly, therefore, known triggers
should be avoided.
- Coughing or wheezing
- Tightness of the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Faster or noisy breathing
What are some common treatments for asthma?
- Assessment and Monitoring
- Education
- Control of Environmental
Factors
- Pharmacologic Therapy
How do I prevent and asthma attack?
- Follow your action plan to
manage your asthma
- Take your medications as
prescribed, even if no symptoms are present
- Avoid known allergens and
irritants that trigger asthma attacks.
- Lower stress levels and
depression
- Follow proper asthma
management
What are some of the things that I can do to help prevent an asthma attack?
- Avoid the use of cleaning
products that have strong or caustic odors.
- Use hypoallergenic pillows,
with a dust mite proof cover.
- Wash bed linens weekly, in
hot water.
- Use an impermeable mattress
cover.
- Remove all dust buildup and
maintain a strict dust free environment.
- Have hard surface flooring
instead of carpet.
- Regularly mop your floors,
wipe window ledges and wash all surfaces with water and detergent.
- Use a vacuum equipped with
a HEPA filter, 1-2 times each week.
- Do not use perfumes,
colognes, or room fresheners.
- Avoid cooking foods with
strong odors when the house cannot be aired out.
- Check your child’s school to
see if any triggers are present in their classrooms.
- Do not house any pets or
allow your animals to come into contact with pet dander.
- Follow your daily action plan
and use your peak flow meter.
- Reduce the humidity of the
home to below 60%
http://www.southfloridaasthma.org/info.html
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